NMEA Agreement with South Korea's MEIPA

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) and the Marine Electronics Industry Promotion Association (MEIPA) of South Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will insure the adoption of NMEA standards, training and product certification throughout South Korea, the number one shipbuilding nation in the world.

The MOU sets a framework for NMEA and MEIPA to work together to develop courses and materials for the South Korean market, including a suite of marine electronics installer education qualifications based on the current NMEA Installation Standard. This educational program will upgrade the competency of the installer in South Korea. NMEA has trained more than 1,000 technicians in the U.S. using this system. The MOU also establishes ground rules for MEIPA to translate NMEA documents into the Korean language and to distribute these documents within South Korea. The MOU covers cooperative areas, such as both organizations participating at each other's conferences. The NMEA retains the intellectual property rights of all NMEA products that will be used and distributed in South Korea.

In educational programs, the MOU will bring the South Korean and U.S. qualifications together in pursuit of an internationally recognized qualification. The MOU also calls upon the two organizations to work together to ensure the NMEA Installation Standard is well adapted for South Korean maritime interests. MEIPA will implement the NMEA courses and qualifications within South Korea.